SPRINGFIELD -- An unidentified man was critically injured when he was struck by a car earlier this morning. The car fled the area of Sumner Avenue and Longhill Street after striking the man, but not before leaving several pieces of the vehicle behind.

Lt. Henry Gagnon said doctors at the Baystate Medical Center, where the man was taken after he was found lying unconscious in the street, are now listing the condition of the victim as critical.

Police were called to the scene at 4:10 a.m. after passersby saw the man lying in the street. Officers on the scene reported the victim was unresponsive and visibly badly injured. They also reported pieces of what appeared to be a black Buick were found scattered about the scene. Police suggest the car would have major front end damage, including having its front
grill missing.

Police cordoned off the area as their investigation continued this morning.